The collector community's general thoughts on KOs

Discussion in 'Transformers Toy Discussion' started by Hyperoptic, Jul 2, 2013.

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Thoughts on KOs?

  1. I like KOs, because they are less expensive than the originals.

    54 vote(s)
    20.9%
  2. I like KOs, but I prefer them to be a bit different from the originals.

    56 vote(s)
    21.7%
  3. I like KOs, and I like the packaging and toys to be as close to the original as possible.

    22 vote(s)
    8.5%
  4. I dislike KOs, because people try to pass them off as originals.

    91 vote(s)
    35.3%
  5. I dislike KOs, because I consider them fake transformers polluting the market.

    64 vote(s)
    24.8%
  6. I dislike KOs, because they bring down the value of originals.

    15 vote(s)
    5.8%
  7. I am indifferent to KOs.

    61 vote(s)
    23.6%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. opt1musaber

    opt1musaber Victory Saber's Recruit

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    Being passed off as an original is the main thing I hate about KO's. The ones that try to be carbon copies of originals can sometimes be passed off as an original; however, I don't mind them as long as they are CLEARLY stated as a KO. Then, I have no problems.
     
  2. Blackout32

    Blackout32 ANTHRAX - PERSISTENCE OF TIME

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    These are my 2 answeres for KO's.

    1.I like KOs, because they are less expensive than the originals

    2.I like KOs, and I like the packaging and toys to be as close to the original as possible.
     
  3. Dolza_Khyron

    Dolza_Khyron Well-Known Member

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    depends on the knock off.

    if it is a direct copy of a transformer. like trying to pass itself AS a transformer, then that is using deceptive means to make a quick buck. but this is more of a bootleg then a knock off.

    now if it is using a new mold, or attempting something new and creative with it, then to me, it is pretty cool.

    the best example of this is; this from four star toys

    winged sludge.

    or skywarp with new wings.

    or the 17 in 1 omega surpeme/voltron/whatever else they could find... thing.

    these are the knock offs i like. the creative ones.

    or the radio.
     
  4. Basilisk

    Basilisk It will give you infinite pleasure!

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    I don't mind KOs as long as they aren't packaged too much like the real thing. Sometimes they can be really cool when they upsize stuff
     
  5. Sunstorm9119

    Sunstorm9119 "Ambitiose Sed Ineptum"

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    The only issue I have with KO's is when A-holes try to sell them as the originals. Otherwise it allows folks to get TFs they otherwise wouldn't be able to get....
     
  6. Satomiblood

    Satomiblood City Hunter

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    I'm mostly indifferent. I know others like to toot their own horns for refusing to collect KO's, which can also extend to 3rd party offerings. I couldn't care less what someone else chooses to buy, be it official or not. It's their money and ultimately none of my business.
     
  7. bossman328

    bossman328 Well-Known Member

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    I don't mind the KO's that are clearly not originals (oversized/undersized, repaint of something hasbro/takara made).
     
  8. xdmisato

    xdmisato Well-Known Member

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    I don't dislike KOs in general. But what I dislike more are the people that pass them off as originals.
     
  9. Shattered

    Shattered Well-Known Member

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    As long as a KO isn't being passed off as authentic I'm cool with it. So even a direct copy as long as it's identifiable as a KO is okay with me. That's the major problem I think with KO's in the toyworld versus other industries. There are a lot of reverse engineered and copied products available in other industries, but only with toys will they imitate even the manufacturer label and other identifiers. That's the only way I feel they pollute the hobby, KO should be labeled as such.
     
  10. Matty

    Matty @StayingInTheBox Veteran

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    Too often there are dishonest people who try to scam collectors by passing KOs off as the originals. There is a greater strain on us, the collectors, to do more homework now while shopping.

    It's also just an unpleasant feeling when, for example, an entire booth at BotCon is nothing but G1 KOs. It gives me the chills in a bad way.
     
  11. transmasterc

    transmasterc Well-Known Member

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    I like them.I know I know but I have a Defensor and a Menasor set I got from someone on the Bay and they are cool.I also got reflector as well.
     
  12. Cracka J

    Cracka J judas in my mind TFW2005 Supporter

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    completely fine with the ones that have distinguishing marks/labels/logos and people buy to knowingly use as replicas or custom fodder.

    not fine with those who dupe the original so close that you have to hire a private investigation team on the scene to figure out the differences.

    needs to be a simple way to clarify both on the box, and a imprint on the toy.
     
  13. Hyperoptic

    Hyperoptic G1-Junkie

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    If this fraction of the community is any indication of what is the opinion at a larger scale, then this poll would seem to indicate that the majority of people that like KOs prefer them to have some clear indication differentiating them from originals.

    I wish that the major KO companies would see this thread and take it into account.
     
  14. mac&cheese

    mac&cheese Well-Known Member

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    Is there still a ko tf thread? I don't see it anywhere? I wanted to ask are the ko companies still making those things? I've been out of the loop for a year. Did they ever make a g1 jet fire, computron?etc...
     
  15. CodeXCDM

    CodeXCDM Well-Known Member

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    Ebay:
    If they're old or lesser available figures... and clearly mark that they're KOs... I don't mind acquiring some kitbash fodder...

    But what's not cool are KO's like those from CHMS... that do their damnest to completely carbon copy the packaging and details of the figures as best as they can. Makes me leery of getting so-called MISB figures from unknowns on eBay easily because of this.

    Thing is they probably don't care. Easy enough to just photo copy package art on top of using stolen or reverse-engineered molds... Not to mention that like many KO markets... they have vendors who want/need items that look deceptively close to the real thing... so that instead of selling a KO for 10 bucks... you get 30, 50, maybe more.
     
  16. AZSirwave

    AZSirwave Россия

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    Like others, I'm indifferent. I do like the quality and prices I've encountered, but I'm not a fan of people knowingly passing off a KO as an original. Not cool, bro.
     
  17. Blitz.

    Blitz. Well-Known Member

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    they have to be totally insane repaints/remolds for me to be ok with a KO like those dragon Dinobots
     
  18. REMINATOR

    REMINATOR Well-Known Member

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    I fully support this comment. That is why til this day, I refuse to buy those HQ KO Reissue/TFs. Damn it, I don't know what so hard of making the box a little bit different whether box art or color, KO stamp, or something. If they did that, I would've been all over these HQ KO TFs especially those Reissues.
     
  19. havanowoncheese

    havanowoncheese Bloodsail Admiral

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    I do not like the bootlegs that pass off as genuine but otherwise kos do not bother me. Kos that are over and undersized or crazy colors I find amusing not that I have any but pics aand video of them fascinate me.
     
  20. RKillian

    RKillian http://www.rktoyandhobby.com

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    If Hasbro/Takara makes an Encore Wheeljack, Mirage, Grimlock, etc, I'll buy a few copies. Until then, they can just shut up about the evil reproductions. Although I would prefer if there was some kind of obvious but not ugly mark on the box to differentiate from the originals so uninformed people can't get too confused.